This year, my kids and I decided to adopt several terrapin nests to support conservation, and thus decided to attend the Terrapin release event. We went with two other families, and though we were just a small group, we were still treated to a very informative talk about turtles by Prof Chan Eng Heng. What a privilege. :)
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| Thanks Prof Chan for sharing about turtles and answering all our questions about turtles. |
Pelf measuring terrapins and collecting weight data before the release. The kids initially wanted to help with this, but alas, became very distracted by the baby chicks in the backyard.
It was then time to transport the Terrapins to the river, and our children helped move terrapins into 2 large containers.
This top terrapin (with the dented shell) was adopted by one of our little friends. He named it Sweetheart, and he still misses it till today and cried buckets and buckets after releasing Sweetheart into the river.
Nel and the terrapin she adopted. It is a real tough and strong one! While all terrapins became still when turned upside down, this lil guy refused to lay still, but would struggle with all its might to turn back. See its little flipper touching Nel's finger.
Chen Pelf Nyok, the person heading the Terrapin Conservation effort in Kemaman giving a short speech, and thanking her terrapin team for all the effort. It's great to know that efforts have paid off, and the number of terrapins are increasing. Great job Gang Tuntung!
After the short speech ceremony, terrapins were carried nearer to the river for release.
Jo and her little terrapin. They were reluctant to part with each other I think.
On your mark...ready....get set......Go!
Terrapins excitedly heading towards the river for their first taste of Freedom! We learnt that baby terrapins are carnivorous when young, but will turn full vegetarians when older. (hope I got that info right.)
Jo and Jo refusing to let their terrapins go. I stood near them and heard them saying lengthy prayers aloud for their terrapins. Something about letting them survive, finding food, to be protected, long lives etc. I'm sure God heard their prayers. :)
After the release, everyone was treated to a feast of Malay food. Some of the adults went hunting for fresh paku (which we later had for dinner). The children kept thinking of the terrapins they'd released, happy for them, yet missing them.
Well, if you're keen on releasing terrapins, watch out for their announcement on their facebook page, and sign up to receive their newsletters.
Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia- Facebook
and http://www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my/
My other posts on turtles:
Watching Turtles in the wild and tagging terrapins 20/6/11),
Kuala Terengganu (Turtle Alley),
and Releasing Terrapins 21/May/2012.
@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013
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1 comment :
Lovely little turtles! What a fun activity it must have been, Martha. I'm sure God heard Nel and Jo's prayers and will keep all turtles safe and sound and well-fed. :)
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